The United States and India, as the world’s oldest and largest democracies, share a unique bond of friendship. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan’s visit aims to further deepen this partnership, enhancing security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region, according to the White House.
Sullivan’s visit to New Delhi, which took place from June 17 to 18, marks the first trip by a senior Biden administration official since the Modi government began its third term.
During his visit, Sullivan met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Indian counterpart Ajit Doval.
John Kirby, White House National Security Communications Advisor, stated at a daily news conference on Monday, “As the world’s two oldest and largest democracies, the United States and India share a unique bond of friendship. Mr. Sullivan’s trip will further deepen the already strong US-India partnership to create a safer and more prosperous Indo-Pacific.”
In New Delhi, Sullivan will co-chair the US-India Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET), a significant partnership aimed at expanding strategic cooperation in key technology sectors such as space, semiconductors, advanced telecommunications, artificial intelligence, quantum technology, biotechnology, and clean energy, Kirby added.
Kirby declined to comment on the case of Indian national Nikhil Gupta, accused of being involved in a murder-for-hire plot against Khalistani separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on American soil. Gupta has been extradited to the US from the Czech Republic.
“I don’t have more to add on the conversations that Jake’s having. He’s still over there having these conversations. But the main focus of his visit, as I said, was to look for ways to deepen the US-India bilateral relationship, particularly when it comes to emerging technology,” Kirby said.
Gupta appeared before a federal court in New York on Monday, where he pleaded not guilty. India has announced a high-level inquiry into the evidence shared by the US regarding the alleged plot to kill Pannun.
